Statesville adding jobs at processing plant

Gov. Bev Perdue today joined Origin Food Group LLC at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new processing plant in Statesville. The company is investing more than $7 million at its state-of-the-art plant and plans to hire 40-50 people by 2014.

“Creating jobs is my top priority. It’s always great news when companies that already do business here choose to reinvest in our state,” said Perdue. “Our investments in education and job training programs continue to help maintain a strong business climate. We look forward to a continued partnership with Origin Food Group as they expand here in North Carolina.”

Origin Food Group, headquartered in Statesville, is a partnership by the Alarcón family of Ecuador and the Stameys of Iredell County, which combines more than 60 years of experience in the dairy farming and cattle business. The new facility will produce the company’s fresh line of drinkable yogurt and fruit shakes.

“We’re honored that Governor Perdue took the time to visit with us and help us launch our new plant,” said Don Greenlee, general manager of Origin Food Group. “Our products promote a healthy lifestyle, giving our customers a delicious product that they can grab ‘on the go,’” he added. “All of us at Origin are excited about the future of this company and what it will mean in investments and jobs going forward,” he added.

Other partners that assisted with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the City of Statesville.

For more information about Origin Food Group, visit www.originfoodgroup.com and www.gofrush.com.